A new statewide network of 33 volunteer mentors trained in collections care and emergency management will work directly with Oregon museums, libraries and archives starting today. Mentors, including four on the Oregon coast, will voluntarily work directly with Oregon archives, libraries and museums to improve the care of cultural artifacts, and prepare for emergencies. “People who care for these collections of historic objects and paper are seeking more skills and knowledge to address issues of preservation and disasters,” said Kyle Jansson, coordinator of the Oregon Heritage Commission and the project director of the new Oregon Heritage MentorCorps. “MentorCorps members will provide consulting, mentoring and training on these topics in ways that meet the needs of the 1,000 cultural heritage organizations in Oregon.” Mentors’ experience ranges from graduate students to retired heritage executives with decades of experience. Mentors will work with organizations in their region of the state. All nonprofit and government archives, libraries and museums will be able to access the free service. “We appreciate the mentors giving these organizations directly skills and knowledge,” said Jansson. “In the process of helping organizations, the mentors are also indirectly supporting the heritage of their own communities and regions.” The MentorCorps takeoff is funded by a grant from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services, and funds from the Oregon Heritage Commission and the Oregon Cultural Trust. Project partners include the Oregon Heritage Commission, Oregon Library Association, Northwest Archivists, Oregon Museums Association, Oregon State Archives, Oregon State Library, Oregon Historical Society, Tamástslikt Cultural Institute, and other organizations. The MentorCorps website is located at www.mindyourcollections.org. Mentors on the Coast include: Tom Chandler, Toledo; Jerry Ostermiller, Astoria; Jeff Smith, Astoria; Vicki Wiese, Coos Bay.
